A First-Timer’s Guide to Whale Watching in Hervey Bay

Thinking about your first whale watching trip, but not sure what to expect? This first-timers guide to whale watching in Hervey Bay answers every question, from what to wear to how close the whales actually get (spoiler: it’s incredibly close).

What to Expect: Your Day Step-by-Step

Check-In: Arrive 15 minutes early at Whale Bay Marina, Buccaneer Drive, Urangan Harbour. There’s free parking available, or you can use our complimentary transfers. There’ll be a quick boarding and a safety briefing before you take off.

Heading Out: The Spirit of Hervey Bay cruises to Platypus Bay (30-45 minutes), and you can use this time to explore the boat. We are Hervey Bay’s largest whale watching vessel with five viewing decks, so you can grab a hot drink or simply sit back and listen to the crew’s commentary about what to expect.

Whale Watching: You’ll see breaching (spectacular launches), tail slapping (whale communication), spy-hopping (popping heads up to look around), and often mugging – when curious whales approach and linger. One first-timer shared: “The Humpbacks swam around us for 45 minutes and were so close (only 6 feet away) and put on a show with everything.”

Returning: After 3.5-4 hours, we’ll head back to the marina.

What to Wear and Bring

Comfort is key, so we recommend that you dress in layers:

July-August: Opt for a long-sleeved shirt, fleece, light waterproof jacket, long pants, and non-slip shoes.

September-October: Dress in a light long-sleeved shirt, light jacket, comfortable pants or shorts, and non-slip shoes.

Always bring: Hats with straps, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, your camera (by the way – make sure you check out our whale photography tips), and a water bottle.

Optional: Binoculars, motion sickness tablets, and a small backpack.

What’s Provided Onboard

We have the perfect amenities to keep you occupied and comfortable throughout your journey. Discover clean bathrooms, a large indoor lounge, five spacious viewing decks, shaded areas, complimentary morning or afternoon tea, hot drinks, snacks, kids’ activities (colouring books, toys), expert commentary, underwater viewing windows, and hydrophones to hear whale songs.

Are You Worried About Seasickness?

Hervey Bay’s sheltered waters (protected by K’gari) and our stable catamaran make seasickness rare. However, if you are concerned, take motion sickness tablets 30-60 minutes before boarding, sit in the middle of the boat on a lower deck, focus on the horizon, stay in fresh air, eat a light meal beforehand, and bring ginger lollies.

It’s Perfect for Families and All Ages

Kids of all ages are welcome. We’re a family-friendly vessel, with space to move around safely, kids’ activities, accessible bathrooms, and room for prams.

Accessibility isn’t an issue with us either. We have wide decks for wheelchair access and an experienced crew ready to assist passengers with mobility needs. One passenger recently shared: “The staff made sure I was comfortable and could see the whales as I was sitting on my walker. Best day I have had out in years.”

Our Bad Weather and Cancellation Policy

Worried about the weather? Hervey Bay’s whale watching season (July-October) falls during winter and spring when we typically get beautiful clear days with mild temperatures. We are able to operate in conditions that would cancel other tours, thanks to Hervey Bay’s protected waters, however, if conditions are unsafe, we’ll cancel and offer you a full refund or the option to reschedule.

If you need to cancel your experience, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows forfeit the ticket price.

Our Whale Sighting Guarantee

If you’re nervous that you won’t see any whales on your trip, don’t be. We guarantee you’ll see whales during the season (July 12 – October 31) or your next trip is free. Yes, free!

Psssst: In over 30 years, we’ve never failed to find whales during the season.

Booking and Getting There

Simply book online by visiting our whale watching tours page. Choose your date and time before completing your payment, and you’re all set.

We have free parking at Whale Bay Marina, or alternatively, you can make use of our complimentary transfers from Hervey Bay accommodation.

Pro tip: Book early for August-September school holidays.

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

If you want to enjoy your experience, then avoid the following common mistakes:

• Arriving late – Tours depart on time, so arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and get comfortable
• Forgetting sunscreen – Bring SPF 50+ and don’t forget to reapply
• Overdressing – Layers are essential. Start with less and bring extra layers to keep comfy out on the water
• Not bringing motion sickness medication – Take preventative medication if you’re prone to seasickness to get the most out of your experience
• Staying in one spot – Move between our five viewing decks and enjoy the view
• Bringing too much gear – One camera and a small bag is plenty, we promise

What First-Timers Are Saying

“What a great day! Very informative with plenty of sightings. We would thoroughly recommend the Spirit of Hervey Bay.”

“Amazing tour! The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and took us straight to the whales. Unforgettable experience – highly recommend.”

Want to learn more about our experiences? Check out our best whale watching experiences around K’gari Fraser Island.

Are You Ready for Your Adventure?

Whale watching in Hervey Bay is special because our playful whales love to stop and interact here. You’ll watch them rest, play, teach their calves, and often approach the boat out of curiosity, and we can’t wait to get up close and show you these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Book your whale watching tour now and discover why Hervey Bay is Australia’s whale watching capital.